“The Bolshoi Zal ranks among the best ancient halls in the world, especially for its acoustics...all of the top musicians aspire to perform here.”—Ekaterina Biryukova, classical music reviewer, Afisha. Russia’s largest music school; concert halls include Bolshoi Zal and Maly Zal. Bolshaya Nikitskaya Ulitsa 13; tel. 7 495 629 2060. http://www.mosconsv.ru/en/

MMDM (Moscow International House of Music)

“The highlight is the remarkable view of the Moscow river through the glass walls and the festival Vladimir Spivakov invites.”—Ekaterina Biryukova. Moscow’s newest venue, a graceful, glass building in the south of the city; headed by violinist and conductor Vladimir Spivakov. Kosmodamianskaya Naberezhnaya 58; tel. 7 495 730 1011. www.mmdm.ru

Indie concert club in an industrial neighborhood. Quirky taste in design; walls covered with kitschy wallpaper and swatches of fur framed in gold. Winner of the prestigious National Nightlife Award for live music; trash-glam décor; national and international acts range from Sean Lennon to Gogol Bordello. Ulitsa Kazakova 8a; tel. 7 495 778 5651. nobullshit.ru

Krysha Mira (Roof of the World)

Expansive views of the Moscow skyline from the top floor; among the city’s most exclusive clubs; strict “face control,” meaning if the doorman doesn’t like your looks, you don’t get in; hidden behind an unmarked metal door inside an abandoned factory. Nabarezhnaya Tarasa Shevchenko 2/3; tel. 7 495 203 6008.

Festivals

First weekend in September. Since 1986, Moscow has commemorated the city’s birthday with a festive parade, followed by live music, food, and fireworks on Red Square. www.moscow-city.ru

December Nights

December. Moscow’s most prestigious music event. A series of classical concerts by Russia’s most celebrated musicians at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, accompanied by an art exhibit on a related theme. Ulitsa Volkhonka 12; tel. 7 495 203 9578; fee. www.museum.ru/gmii

Golden Mask Festival

March or April. Two weeks of performances by Russia’s premier drama, opera, dance and musical performers, culminating in a prestigious awards ceremony. Tip: Don’t miss the Russian Case, a special program targeting foreign participants at the festival. Tel. 7 495 755 8335; fee. www.goldenmask.ru/eng/

Maslenitsa

February or early March. The Russian version of Mardi Gras, celebrating the end of winter and kicking off Orthodox Lent. The food of choice is bliny, or Russian pancakes. Horse-drawn sledges, storytelling clowns, and vodka-drinking bears.